The Church of the Nazarene in General Santos City and T’boli provided comfort and assistance to families affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8, according to a July 2 report.
More than 100 families connected to the General Santos City Church of the Nazarene daycare ministry experienced damage or destruction to their homes. Many were left without electricity and faced difficulties meeting basic needs. The church distributed food packs to these families as part of its response efforts.
Children were among those most affected by the disaster, with many experiencing fear and anxiety due to the earthquake and ongoing aftershocks. Some children lost school supplies and personal belongings at the start of the school year. To help them recover, church leaders organized three days of child-friendly activities for over 100 children, providing care packages with school supplies and essential goods. Children also participated in debriefing sessions designed to offer emotional support and restore a sense of safety.
In T’boli, significant damage occurred at both the T’boli Church of the Nazarene – Lub and Pastor Joel Sangid’s home. The parsonage developed major cracks in its flooring, while structural issues raised safety concerns for both buildings. The response team offered shelter care for those affected and assisted with repairs at the tribal community worship center, benefiting approximately 120 individuals from the local area.
Church representatives said their support extended beyond immediate relief goods or building repairs, as it was also a reminder that affected families were not alone during this time of uncertainty.
The Asia-Pacific Region has requested continued prayer for comfort for impacted families, strength for disaster response teams as they continue their work, and opportunities for local churches to serve their communities.
